"It's rare to find me passing up on a drink," Jacoba[1] offered with a sly, broad grin. 

There'd been a brief pause in the music as the band switched out instruments, changed and checked their open tunings and did some last minute strategizing on the upcoming set list. 

This was not the first time Jacoba had found herself in Hogwarts castle but the young woman hadn't had much of an opportunity to really see the interior of the castle as a spectator for the first tournament task.  Walking into the Great Hall that evening had been an undeniable first and Jacoba still found herself slightly awestruck as she looked around the glistening, gleaming, massive hall. 

As they made their way over towards the refreshments, Jacoba couldn't resist sneaking a few glances around.  "So, how many of these faces do you recognize?" Jacoba asked, taking a goblet of punch and glancing around the nearest faces.  "Does it make you feel like you're reliving your youthful, schoolboy days?  Wondering when you'll be reprimanded for staying out too late?" Jacoba took a sip of her drink, smirking around the rim of the crystal goblet.  "Not that you were ever a troublemaker, I'm sure." [2]

1.	Outfit
2.	Hoping to do a mingling/mixer thread!  Anyone's welcome to pop in or if you want ot be bumped into, let us know!

What a stir to cause, to bring a Muggle with him, Edwin was rather enjoying the stir. No, Jacoba was more than that in reality, but it did give a certain amount of appeal over and above her beauty and brains.

They refilled their goblets, watching the hubbub.

"So, how many of these faces do you recognize? Does it make you feel like you're reliving your youthful, schoolboy days?  Wondering when you'll be reprimanded for staying out too late?" Edwin laughed politely at her joke. "Not that you were ever a troublemaker, I'm sure."

"Prefect, actually." He told her with a smirk. "But Slytherin. I'm sure your brother has mentioned the divisions and the brush that Slytherins get tarred with, hmm?" Edwin smiled and sipped his drink beside her. She looked beautiful tonight, and he had made sure to tell her when they had met that evening.

"I recognise quite a few, not necessarily from Hogwarts days though, I met many at these functions and in the Ministry. Why, who would you like to meet? Hogwarts Professors, Governors, foreign delegates? You already know many yourself, social butterfly that you are." He smiled affectionately at her.

"Prefect, actually.  But Slytherin. I'm sure your brother has mentioned the divisions and the brush that Slytherins get tarred with, hmm?"

Jacoba dipped her head in confirmation, glancing around at the sea of satin, frills and lace.  "He has.  With varying degrees of bias.  So, what you're saying is, even if you were a troublemaker, there are no witnesses to confirm or deny.  Definitely sounds like that's where the fun is to be found." 

Ever since her arrival in the wizarding world, Jacoba had caught herself pondering, on occasion, where she would have ended up in the school should history have played out differently.  Her eyes scanned the mingling crowd briefly, her gaze lingering occasionally on the those who were clearly sporting their house colors with pride. 

"Not as many classmates?" Jacoba asked, turning her attention back to Edwin.  "Did they all scatter?  But, goodness - the who of the who." 

How strangely cyclical life could be.  She used to find herself at functions like this all the time, though in childhood that had been rarely by choice.  Her parents' socialite parties tended to draw quite the array of dignitaries, politicians and other bigwigs Jacoba had had no interest in.  Once she'd left home, she never imagined she'd find her way to back to functions like these.  Yet, here she was, in an old dress of hers just in an entirely new world.  And enjoying every moment of it.

"I do know the musical tastes of many Diagon regulars," Jacoba confirmed, grinning back at Edwin.  "I've, admittedly, only met a handful of the Hogwarts professors-" though, there was one or two she knew quite well.  "And, I'd love to meet foreign delegates.  Need to keep the languages sharp." 

When she queried numbers, Edwin was happy to explain.

"I'll assume you know what I mean about things, unless you stop me." He told her kindly, "But my school classmates here included Arthur Weasley and Bellatrix Lestrange. One made it out of the second war, thankfully the right one. Not many went into politics that are involved here.

"I do know the musical tastes of many Diagon regulars. I've, admittedly, only met a handful of the Hogwarts professors, and, I'd love to meet foreign delegates.  Need to keep the languages sharp."

"Splendid. Well, that gives us two thirds of the adults worth talking to." He chuckled, "Not that the students were ever going to be interested in talking to adults, or us to receive them. Your brother excluded." Edwin extended his arm, "Let's cast our rod into the pool, and see who bites."

Jump in one or all

Taking advantage of Mr. Strelnikov fetching their refills, Arianne decided to take a turn around the hall to greet her acquaintances and mingle. After much smiling, shaking hands and kisses on the cheeks, just when she was about to return to her date she spotted another familiar face, one protocol demanded she greeted as he was with the Ministry in a Department she wanted to have friends... just in case.

"Ah! Monsieur Glass!" she greeted the Head of Magical Accidents & Catastrophes with her radiating smile on her face. "Such a pleasure to see you here" she followed, gracefully extending her hand to him. "It seems we only manage to meet a few times a year, at this function or the other "she laughed softly. Not that she minded that, no, she had no problem with meeting Ministry officials at events or gatherings of the high end society, but she definitely didn't need one in her personal life, that would be more trouble than it would be worth, given her nocturnal activities. "How do you find the ball so far, Monsieur Glass?" she asked in her heavy French accent.

She turned her head towards his companion and smiled at her, then turned to look at the wizard in hopes he would make the introductions without her having to rudely ask who the woman was, that was not proper etiquette. Out of the corner of her eye, she subtly examined the lady, as with women at such occasions. She concluded the woman was rather ordinary, and her dress too plain and disadvantageous for her figure, and very old-fashioned, at that. She wasn't beautiful, by Arianne's standards, but she had something of a charm and her eyes did have a sort of intelligent gleam to them. However, what stroke Arianne as interesting, was her stance and the way she carried herself. As a connoisseur and an expert in the field, she couldn't help but notice that despite her... shortcomings, the woman seemed to know her etiquette amongst the elite.

Jacoba smiled at Edwin, her gaze seeming to slip out of focus for a few moments as she gave his comments careful consideration.  The young (former) muggle was well-practiced in immersing herself in a new group, culture or country to figure things out and she'd, no doubt, picked up on a lot about the wizarding world over the course of the last year and a half.  But the details of history, such as names and dates, did take a few extra thoughts to place. 

"That is a fairly wide spectrum," Jacoba finally concluded, hoping she'd placed the names successfully. 

Jacoba took the offered arm and let Edwin guide their way through the sea of mostly unfamiliar faces.  It didn't take long for the man to be recognized and Jacoba turned her attentions towards the young woman.  The woman offered Jacoba a smile before returning her attention to Edwin and Jacoba cast a curious grin in her companion's direction. 

The implications were obvious.  Whomever this woman was, she was expecting Edwin to relieve Jacoba of the duty of introducing herself.  Whether this was simply because Edwin was the known entity or for some other reason, Jacoba couldn't tell.  Yes, that was probably the preferred route - Jacoba had been to more than her fair share of etiquette lessons and knew how to play the games.  But, as her mother had always said, Jacoba had always been a bit forward. 

"Jacoba Schlagenweit," the young German offered, extending a hand with a warm smile.  "My younger brother's one of the Hogwarts Champions.  Edwin was generous enough to invite me to tagalong for the festivities.  Dare I assume you're from one of the visiting schools?" 

"Ah! Monsieur Glass! Such a pleasure to see you here"

Arianne Desrosiers. Edwin felt his heart miss a bit, just as it had when he'd first laid eyes on her in the flesh when the contingents had arrived. The time he'd explained with some of his senior staff about how they'd contain catastrophes caused by the event, and the risks of underage magic away from Hogwarts in the British Muggle community.

He took her hand and smiled,
"Mademoiselle Desrosiers, how lovely to see you again." Edwin was momentarily enchanted, shallow as he was for a pretty face, and a good set of -
"It seems we only manage to meet a few times a year, at this function or the other. How do you find the ball so far, Monsieur Glass?
"It seems so - this is-." He'd just got out of his enchantment when Jacoba took the initiative.
"Jacoba Schlagenweit," His companion extended a hand with a warm smile. "My younger brother's one of the Hogwarts Champions.  Edwin was generous enough to invite me to tagalong for the festivities.  Dare I assume you're from one of the visiting schools?"

He glanced between the two of them to check he hadn't started a cat-fight accidentally.

"Mademoiselle Desrosiers is accompanying the Beauxbatons Champions. Miss Schlagenweit is a guest, not a tagalong and its a pleasure to have her here this evening." Edwin smiled politely, "Hogwarts always scrubs up well for formal events - no less this evening than any other. Though I'm sure you could tell us where there's room to improve." 

She delicately extracted her hand from Mr. Glass's and moved it to grasp the woman's. She smiled graciously, while mentally admonishing Mademoiselle -or was it Madame?- Schlagenweit for her straightforwardness... the man was just about to introduce them! Surely she could've waited a couple more seconds? Either way, she listened to her introduction, and just on the brink of opening her mouth to introduce herself, Monsieur Glass had taken the opportunity from her. She squinted her eyes just a bit, not able to hold her disapproval from showing, and continued to listen to the two. Surely they were close, if not even more than close, by their position to each other and their small teasing conversation.

Still with the witch's hand in her own, she softly applied pressure on it and smiled again, while subtly scanning her other hand for signs of a wedding ring. "Arianne Desrosiers. Enchanté, Fräulein Schlagenweit" she said still smiling charmingly. She let go of the witch's hand and settled it neatly over her other, holding her clutch purse gently. "As Monsieur Glass kindly explained, I am a Professor at Beauxbatons. I teach Etiquette lessons, however seeing as the Beauxbatons delegation is rather small, the school thought it appropriate to... group" her smiled faded for a second, the only clue to her disapproval "together all the artistic subjects into something called Social Graces. Therefore, why Monsieur Glass -too kindly- implies I am entitled to an opinion as to what improvements can be made. They are many, that much I can tell you" she laughed, in her crystalline infectious laughter.

"I'm afraid I haven't had that much contact with the Hogwarts staff or students, as my subject is not mandatory here -which I personally find appalling" she chuckled softly. "So I haven't had the pleasure of  making your brother's acquaintance, although I have seen and heard of him. But perhaps next semester, I might? I am currently trying to start a Social Graces seminar for all the students currently housed under the roof of Hogwarts. That way, perhaps we might not have to witness such behavior" she said as she subtly pointed at a young couple making quite a spectacle of themselves. The boy was obviously inebriated and trying to cup more than a feel, while the girl was obviously embarrassed and tried to keep him in line. She turned her head back at the two and pursed her lips giving a small dramatic sigh, before laughing softly.

Oh.  These high society mind games.  That odd, motionless dance of casing one another out in a subtle, proper and dignified manner.  Her brother had always been much better at the game than she'd ever been.  But, then, growing up, Jacoba hadn't given it much effort.  In fact, at most formal occasions as a child, Jacoba intentionally tried to break every rule she could, just to see her father's face boil.  Two points if his face turned red.  Five points if he clenched his fist.  Fifteen points - and the win -  if he sent her home early.

Of course, Jacoba had no desire to engage in such shenanigans now - she was here by choice and was completely enjoying herself.  But, in watching the woman in front of her, Jacoba couldn't shake the awareness that the etiquette professor embodied exactly what Jacoba's mother had always wished she would be.  Blond.  Feminine.  Elegant.  Refined.  Ten years ago, Jacoba would have been ruthless to this woman.

Luckily, that was ten years ago. 

Jacoba returned Edwin's smile before turning back to Mlle Desroiers with genuine interest.  "Symantics aside, he doesn't give himself enough credit," Jacoba insisted, resting a hand on Edwin's arm.  "I'm immensely grateful to be here - there are few who would have given me the opportunity."  She was grateful - mostly because it had been pretty brilliant - but, also, to support family.  Jacoba imagined most other muggleborn champions don't get to share this with their families.

"Etiquette lessons.  I remember those well.  They were-"  Dreadfully dull.  Seemingly lacking in any point.  But, yes.  Remember.  Behave.  As tempting as old habits were.  "-rather interesting.  Our au pair did try her best.  My brother's probably a better representation of her skills, though.  You might find more to approve of in him."  Not that the boy needed another class.

Jacoba followed the woman's glance over towards the pair of students and grinned.  "Meh - if he gets too far out of line, she could always slap him."  Okay.  Maybe that wasn't the etiquette solution.  But, it was usually effective.

"Enough!" Gale's voice boomed at the students, the two clearly making fools of themselves in front of their guests, and they quickly straightened up at the snap of his fingers. Their spines went straight, and shoulders back as they quickly started to make their exit. It was strange to see him so dressed up, his hair back, his  attire rather put together, but perhaps that was what made the moment so intimidating. He was such a kind and caring Professor that when he sounded cross, he half sounded insane, and of all the schools out there Hogwarts had a great fear of another's lost sanity.

Maker, he needed a drink, and was looking rather exhausted as the night was starting to find it's way into his already tired state. Gale turned an apologetic look upon the few close enough to the students to have witnessed their behavior.

"Please forgive--," A grin stretched his pale lips as he met Jacoba's eyes and he smiled, "Good Evening, and welcome." This would have been her first Yule Ball would it not? The thought pleased him greatly, and he would have instantly started in had she been alone. However, the moment he took in the other too faces, Gale's heart sank to his feet. Fudge Important looking faces. He straightened, his back aching from doing so, his feet hurt, and even his hair was starting to hurt.

"Bonsoir," He dipped his chin to the greet them both, his accent rather thick, but his desire to turn around more so. How did this work? Did he introduce himself? Did he wait to be invited in? Did he leave? Perhaps if he just passed out in the floor like he felt like doing he could avoid all three.

"Therefore, why Monsieur Glass -too kindly- implies I am entitled to an opinion as to what improvements can be made. They are many, that much I can tell you"

Edwin grinned - it would be wrong if an etiquette tutor couldn't criticise a social gathering, especially one with teenagers in.

"Semantics aside, he doesn't give himself enough credit, I'm immensely grateful to be here - there are few who would have given me the opportunity." Jacoba's hand on his arm brought a little colour to Edwin's cheeks and he waved off the compliment politely.

They were interrupted by one of the Hogwarts Professors intervening with the nearby students. Edwin recognised the man and raised both eyebrows curiously.

"Please forgive--, Good Evening, and welcome." Nightingale Kesali spoke first to Jacoba, and then to Arianne.

"Bonsoir,"

"Kesali, good to see you again!" Edwin greeted. Kesali had worked closely with the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes after leaving Hogwarts, helping after the second war tore Hogwarts apart. They'd worked together in the skeleton crew as the Ministry sorted itself out and evicted those who had committed war crimes whiles under the Dark Lord's reign. Edwin had been worried of being thrown in with the Death Eaters at the time, having co-operated with them to try and save his own skin, and his family's. His mother was a Muggle, and Voldemort had not been approving of it. At the time Kesali had been around, Edwin had thrown himself fully into repairing things to ensure he was once again, not the attention of scrutiny.

"Mademoiselle Desrosiers, you know Professor Nightingale Kesali I'm sure," they'd been sharing a castle for a term after all, "Oh, do you two already know each other also?" Edwin asked, gesturing between Jacoba and Nightingale. "It appears I'm once again surplus to introductory requirements," Edwin mused with a smile.

"Mademoiselle Desrosiers was just telling us that she is to teach Hogwarts how to conduct themselves in future, and how to put on a proper ball." Edwin gave a smirk and a wink, teasing a little.

"Meh - if he gets too far out of line, she could always slap him."

"I disagree, slapping is... très pasé and rather too unfeminine. But she could always sting him with a little hex" she said teasingly, with a half-grin on her face. She continued to listen to Mademoiselle Schlagenweit, noticing her obvious disapproval of her subject, but remained smiling nonetheless.

But she was soon distracted from the conversation as she heard a booming voice coming from behind her. The Hogwarts Charms Professor was reprimanding the young couple she had pointed to before. He was... most intriguing. She'd caught glimpses of him in the castle, heard of him from her acquaintances, but they were never properly introduced. He was definitely a beautiful creature, however, he looked truly magnificent tonight, she thought to herself as she appraised his looks. Luckily for Arianne, he was turning his attention to their little group. She noticed his accent and his perfect pronunciation of the greeting and couldn't help but let a wave of excitement fill her head. It had been so long since she had used her mother-tongue with a person capable of understanding without having to repeat herself. She exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, when she heard Mister Glass introduce the man. It wouldn't do for another introduction mishap tonight.

"Mademoiselle Desrosiers, you know Professor Nightingale Kesali I'm sure"

"Unfortunately, not really. I'm sure we know of each other, but I have not had the pleasure of a formal introduction. As I've said before, I kept mostly to my colleagues and my charges, otherwise I've mostly been away from Hogwarts" she said in her heavy French accent and smiled politely. After all, the only reason she came to this cold, frigid country was to sample its social life. And you couldn't very well do that if you were stuck in a castle with a bunch of hyperactive children and rowdy teenagers?

She waited for Monsieur Glass to end his introduction, all the while watching the Charms Professor with profound interest, a smile playing at the corner of her lips. Oh, he was definitely beautiful, usually she'd describe a man as handsome, but he was so much more. He had the sort of delicate beauty you could call feminine or androgynous, he was the sort of man that would appeal to all humans, regardless of their gender and sexual orientation.

She was woken out of her reverie when she heard her name being spoken by Monsieur Glass. She smiled sweetly at the older man, lowering her head to hide a small laugh at the teasing wink. When she thought her laughing fit was safely avoided, she raised her head a little and looked at the Hogwarts Professor through her eyelashes. She was a little taller than him on her heels, so she supposed they were of almost the same height. Giving a half mysterious look was definitely hard at this level, but she hoped she had managed nonetheless.

"Arianne Desrosiers. "Enchanté!" she beamed at the silver haired man. "C'est un plaisir de parler ma langue maternelle. Il se sent comme il ya un siècle... En réalité, il ne fait plus que six mois, mais je suis sûr que tu comprends"[1] she told him with a sigh, without fear of using informal speech.

1.	It's a pleasure to speak my mother-tongue. It feels like it's been a century... In reality it's only been half a year, but I'm sure you understand

Jacoba glanced between the two students and Mlle Desrosiers, finding it rather interesting that slapping was inappropriately unfeminine but hexing was considered appropriate.  It was a curious distinction but, for the likes of Jacoba, not a very useful one.  Though, chances were the French professor was still oblivious to Jacoba's lack of magical talent.  Or, ability.  Or, whatever. 

A familiar voice moved up beside them and Jacoba looked up to return Gale's greeting with a warm smile.  "Yes, we have had the pleasure of meeting," Jacoba confirmed for Edwin's sake.  She reached to take Gale's hand gently in one hand, resting her other hand briefly on the man's same arm in friendly gesture. 

"Though, given the change in context, I'm not sure if a change of address is also in order?"  She'd met the Charms professor first out of the context of being a professor so, at dinner, addressing him in a completely casual manner had seemed natural and fitting. 

Jacoba took a step back, once more as Gale addressed Mlle Desrosiers.  The Charms professor seemed to have earned more interest and, perhaps, more approval as the pair turned to French.  Jacoba arched an eyebrow as she glanced from the Etiquette Professor to the Charms Professor.  She knew she was supposed to behave but, either she was confused or temptation was getting the better of her. 

Though, Jacoba had to remind herself, perhaps this was a bit of a cultural difference.  Leaning towards Edwin, Jacoba dropped her voice slightly to ask: "in the muggle world - especially those of us from the mainland - we're taught changing languages to one not everyone knows is a significant faux pas.  I take it that's not the case in the wizarding world?" 

Either her first assumption was right and she'd have just scored a point or it would be a learning moment.  Not that this was a game.  No no.  She was supposed to be behaving.   

Edwin, a sight for a very sore eye caused a grin to pull on Gale’s pale lips that lit up his entire face. As tired as he was, this little group seemed a breath of fresh air, and though he wasn’t far from finding the closest exit, Jacoba’s little hand kept him anchored.

“Good Evening, and yes. We have met. Not too long ago, by chance actually. It is how you say…fate?” He squeezed her hand, his gloved fingers warm from the nerves. His rabbit heart for once wasn’t pounding out his chest, but very much trying to keep up with the conversation. An eye the color of a storm cloud returned to Edwin, and he gave him a knowing smirk.

“It’s very good to see you again, out and about. Last time we were here together things were not so put together.” A quick dart of his gaze had him cast a glance about the room remembering what this particular part looked like with the roof fallen in, and all the glass of the windows melted on the stone. Without thinking he hadn’t let go of Jacoba’s hand, and while living a moment in the past held it too tightly. Finally, with his attention being directed upon Mademoiselle Desrosiers, he lifted his friend’s hand to place a warm little kiss on her knuckles before letting her go, but not before feeling her prickle at the other woman.

Arianne Desrosiers had been nothing else other than the talk of the castle. Ever since her arrival there wasn’t a man that didn’t fancy her, nor a woman that did not envy her good grace and striking beauty. With hair as pale as his own, and soft blush colored lips she reminded him of the models in the Master’s paintings—too perfect to have ever been real. However, standing before her now he could see the pulse in her elegant neck, the way her chest rose and feel with breath, and the very twinkle of candle light in her eyes—she was very real. Gale extended his hand to greet her, kiss her knuckles, and start his own introductions.

"Arianne Desrosiers. "Enchanté!" she beamed at the silver haired man. "C'est un plaisir de parler ma langue maternelle. Il se sent comme il ya un siècle... En réalité, il ne fait plus que six mois, mais je suis sûr que tu comprends"

The French tickled him, his whole being lit up, but as he parted his lips to reply Jacoba’s words cut in.

in the muggle world - especially those of us from the mainland - we're taught changing languages to one not everyone knows is a significant faux pas.  I take it that's not the case in the wizarding world?" 

His mouth closed, his body straightened, and his hands returned to his front to fold like a wizard worthy soldier on stand by.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, and please…Just call me Gale.” He spoke in his broken English, “I look forward to hearing more about you, and getting to know you. And I hope you got to see the First and Second Years dance, myself and Professor Reid worked very hard. You will have your work cut out for you, and for that I do not envy you.” His heart sank a little at the thought, his students in his mind were perfect, and though he was born an Aragon prince it was on the back of a caravan and not in a castle. He couldn’t help but love them for their little flaws and poor manners.

Terribly shy, Gale left the conversation open, but stole little glances to Arianne. He’d look forward to getting to know her more, and to see if she was as much of an ice queen as Aileen. In many ways he would pity her if she was. Touching Jacoba’s arm again he slipped into German to whisper, ’Be kind. and with a little kiss to her cheek he pulled away.

"In the muggle world - especially those of us from the mainland - we're taught changing languages to one not everyone knows is a significant faux pas.  I take it that's not the case in the wizarding world?"

Edwin paused, unsure how to answer that in such close proximity to the others.

Unfortunately it seemed like the gist had been noted by Nightingale, who switched to English suddenly. After a pause, he uttered something quickly to Jacoba the other side to Edwin.

"The students have done admirably learning to dance - its not so common to learn these days such a shame. The fashion seems to be on the wane, do you think?" Edwin asked to Arianne, trying not to let the conversation derail into being impolite.

"The older generation will just have to show them how it is done." Edwin smiled broadly.